Manchester United’s struggles have once again drawn sharp criticism from one of the club’s most outspoken former players.
Roy Keane didn’t hold back as he blamed the lingering influence of past leadership for the club’s ongoing decline.
The former Old Trafford captain, who famously clashed with Sir Alex Ferguson in 2005, suggested that outdated decision-making and power structures are holding the club back from returning to glory.
Keane’s comments come amid caretaker manager Darren Fletcher’s brief stint at the helm, where he managed only a 2-2 draw against Burnley, leaving fans worried about the club’s direction.
The Ferguson Shadow Over Old Trafford
Keane didn’t mince words when describing the lingering influence of Sir Alex Ferguson and former chief executive David Gill.
“You still have Ferguson and Gill hanging on like a bad smell,” Keane said.
He questioned who really makes the key decisions at Manchester United, highlighting names like Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Jason Wilcox, and critiqued the way managerial appointments are handled.
“Do you not suss that out when you speak to them? You look somebody in the eye and go… are they the right person for this job?” he added, emphasizing that credentials alone aren’t enough — the top players need a manager with authority and answers.
Fletcher’s Connection with Ferguson
Fletcher, who debuted for United under Ferguson in 2003, admitted that he sought Ferguson’s advice before taking the caretaker role.
“I’ve got a really good relationship with Sir Alex, so he’s probably the first person on the phone,” Fletcher said.
Despite Ferguson officially retiring in 2013, Fletcher’s respect for the Scot’s opinion remains strong, reflecting the lasting influence Ferguson still has over former players.
Declining Standards on the Pitch
Keane also didn’t spare his thoughts on the quality of United’s recent performances.
He described the draw at Burnley as “a joke” and slammed the complacent reactions from both players and pundits.
“Everyone after the game was like, ‘It wasn’t bad, we did well’ – nonsense! Absolute rubbish. We’re going around in circles,” he said.
His frustration was evident as he questioned why ex-United players still seem to get opportunities despite the evident decline in standards.
The Debate Over Potential Successors
The search for a long-term manager continues to stir debate.
Names like Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick have been floated as potential candidates.
Solskjaer, who managed United from 2018 to 2021, drew sharp criticism from pundits like Gabby Agbonlahor.
“It’s embarrassing… the fans were relieved when he got sacked,” Agbonlahor said.
Carrick, meanwhile, has had a mixed record, managing Middlesbrough between 2022 and last summer and previously serving as interim United boss in 2021, winning two of his three games.
With Fletcher as the 11th manager since Ferguson’s retirement, it’s clear that United’s search for stability continues to be a rollercoaster.
What Lies Ahead for Manchester United
As the club cycles through managers and wrestles with internal decision-making, the question remains: who can really steer United back to the top?
Keane’s candid criticism highlights that unless the board makes decisive, forward-thinking choices, Old Trafford’s struggles are likely to continue.
Fans and former players alike are watching closely, hoping for leadership that matches the club’s illustrious history.
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